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New operator for Orbost Caravan Park after early lease termination sought urgently by East Gippsland Shire Council

Finding a new tenant for Orbost Caravan Park is a priority as the current leaseholder requested an early release. Council aims to reopen the park soon through a tender process.

By news@gippsland - 30th May 2023 - Back to News

Finding a new tenant to operate the Orbost Caravan Park is a priority for East Gippsland Shire Council. The park's lease was due to expire in September, but unfortunately council received formal notification over the weekend from the current leaseholder requesting an early release from their contract, effective this month (June).

Commercial operations on council-managed land undergo an expression of interest process at the end of the term, which has been expedited due to the early lease termination

Lease exit accepted

General Manager Assets and Environment, Fiona Weigall, said the current tenant has advertised the park will close from 2 June. "While the lease did stipulate the park must remain open over winter, council has supported the leaseholder's request for an early exit. We thank them for their contribution to the visitor economy of Orbost and district."

"Council acknowledges the short-term closure of the park over the quieter winter months is not ideal. We are working to best support the Orbost community and to ensure the park is re-opened as a priority and are communicating with the Orbost Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Council is committed to a commercial caravan park in Orbost, and we look forward to having a new tenant operating the park soon," Ms Weigall said.

Interim service agreements

For council-managed land all commercial operations are required to have an expression of interest undertaken at the end of the term. Preparation work for the tender has commenced, however the ending of the lease about four months early has bought forward this process. "Council aims to advertise in July and award a new lease by October, in line with our procurement standards,"

"As an interim measure, council is pursuing service agreement options until a new tenant is in place. This could include an agreement with an existing business or committee of a management group. The interim closure of the park is not linked to council's recent RV Friendly accreditation survey. The park will not be used for RV free camping in the interim while new tenants are sought. Council has committed to revisiting the RV Friendly discussion in the New Year," Ms Weigall said

Current lease holders have confirmed a bump out is planned this week. Cabins (owned by the leaseholders) have been removed and the residence cabin will remain onsite for a few weeks. Council will maintain the site during any closure. Guests wishing to make future bookings, or enquire about existing bookings, for the Orbost Caravan Park can do so by contacting council in the interim. The park does not have any permanent residents.

Pictures from Orbost Caravan Park website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  South Gippsland will celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival month in October with more than 40 free and low-cost activities, including movement, sport, socialising, learning, arts, culture and creative events for seniors.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
  Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment.
• Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.
• Darren Chester joins Annabel Crabb for locally sourced Gippsland feast on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet series
  Darren Chester will feature on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, showcasing Gippsland produce and locally sourced food when the episode airs August 25.
• International partners visit Gippsland to explore energy diversification and regional development opportunities firsthand together
  One Gippsland hosted European partners for a five-day Gippsland visit, exploring energy diversification, regional development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, agriculture and collaboration between Australian and European regions.
• Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Agricultural Group on successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale
  Darren Chester has praised the successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale, highlighting industry collaboration, innovation, productivity and the need to reduce red tape for farming families.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.
• Five additional VLocity train sets to boost Gippsland Line capacity and ease crowding as the Nationals commitment
  The Nationals will add five VLocity train sets to Gippsland services, providing 1,110 extra seats and enabling longer trains during peak periods to ease overcrowding on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
  The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment.
• Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
  Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality.
• The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services
  The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• The Nationals call for urgent public housing repairs as 147 Gippsland South properties remain vacant amid growing housing crisis
  The Nationals MP Danny O'Brien is calling for urgent repairs to 147 vacant public housing properties across Gippsland South, saying homes should be occupied amid the region's housing crisis.
• Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
  The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028.
• Mobile Service Centres bringing government support across South Gippsland communities an August and September
  Australian government Mobile Service Centres will visit 12 South Gippsland communities, offering Medicare, Centrelink, myGov and Veterans’ Affairs assistance, with accessible facilities and Wi-Fi.